Champlevé enamel is a decorative technique in which troughs are carved or etched on to a metal surface, and then filled with vitreous enamel, which is fired, and polished with the uncarved original metal remaining visible acting as a frame. It is an artistic skill that has been known and used for centuries appearing in Celtic art during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Over time, it was adopted by more artisans, and enamel work appeared in horology as early as the 17th century, and thus it is no surprised one of the preeminent Swiss manufacturers Patek Philippe demonstrates their exceptional enamel skill and workmanship with select timepieces like the present platinum reference 5088.

It is one of the rarest variations of the reference with an estimated production of only 25 examples from Patek Philippe’s exclusive Rare Handcrafts collection. Illustrating Patek Philippe’s mastery of decorative skills, both the case and dial feature an extremely elaborate design composed of two distinct and highly prized techniques: chasing and enameling. The floral/arabesque motifs are indeed hand-chased, while the spaces between them have been hand-carved and the resulting groove filled with exquisite champlevé.

Housed in a superbly proportioned Calatrava-style case measuring 38 mm, the platinum watch is enhanced by the wonderful “volutes and arabesque” dial. Hardly ever offered publicly, the present watch is fresh-to-the-market, coming from an important collection, complete with its original certificate and box and preserved in pristine overall condition.

Ref Variations: 5088P-001, 5088-100p-001, 5088P,